Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator operates the multiple-zone air conditioning plant consisting of several centrifugal chillers. The tasks assigned to the Air Conditioning Equipment Operator are more complex and require a broad knowledge of equipment and systems and receives little to no detailed instructions in the performance of assigned task. Responsibilities The incumbent serves as an A/C Equipment Operator responsible for the operation, monitoring, and adjustment of central plant systems including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, and building automation systems. Work involves continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center with 24/7 patient care operations. Knowledge of high-pressure steam boiler operations, safety procedures, and monitoring techniques including feedwater systems, combustion controls, and steam distribution. Knowledge of large-capacity centrifugal chiller operations, refrigeration cycles, and cooling system fundamentals. Understanding of chilled water and steam system fundamentals, thermodynamic principles, heat transfer concepts, and fluid dynamics. Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and digital control systems used in modern utility plant operations. Knowledge of water chemistry, water analysis procedures, and chemical treatment protocols for boiler and cooling water systems. Knowledge of basic troubleshooting techniques for steam and chilled water systems, pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of safety procedures and emergency protocols for pressurized systems and mechanical equipment. Employment in this position requires the ability to work in environments potentially containing hazardous substances and the mandatory use of appropriate protective equipment as directed. The incumbent must submit to and pass required medical examinations and maintain medical clearance for respiratory protection program participation. Must consistently use personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed shoes, and hearing protection. Must participate in the facility respiratory protection program with required medical clearance, training, and annual fit testing. Must maintain clean-shaven face for proper respirator seal and follow lockout/tagout procedures and confined space entry protocols. Work Schedule: 12-hr. rotating shift 11am-11pm/11pm-11am Sunday -Tuesday and Thursday -Saturday plus every other Wednesday. Shifts rotate every 28-days. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Operator/PD114490 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/15/2026. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Accessibility Accident Investigation Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Eye-Hand Coordination Mechanical Use of Measuring Instruments Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Education Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
